Lamentations 5:7

7 Our fathers sinned; they no longer exist, but we bear their punishment.

Lamentations 5:7 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 5:7

Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not
In the world, as the Targum adds; they were in being, but not on earth; they were departed from hence, and gone into another world; and so were free from the miseries and calamities their children were attended with, and therefore more happy: and we have borne their iniquities;
the punishment of them, or chastisement for them: this is not said by way of complaint, much less as charging God with injustice, in punishing them for their fathers' sins, or to excuse theirs; for they were ready to own that they had consented to them, and were guilty of the same; but to obtain mercy and pity at the hands of God.

Lamentations 5:7 In-Context

5 We are closely pursued; we are tired, and no one offers us rest.

6 We made a treaty with Egypt and with Assyria, to get enough food.

7 Our fathers sinned; they no longer exist, but we bear their punishment.

8 Slaves rule over us; no one rescues [us] from their hands.

9 We secure our food at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness.